AA photojournalist Fatih Aktaş was subjected to police violence while trying to capture the violent intervention of the police against demonstrators during the protests in Brooklyn.
“HE PUSHED ME BACK VIOLENTLY”
In the video recorded by a journalist, it was seen that Aktaş fell to the ground hard after being pushed violently by a police officer while trying to photograph the demonstrations.
Regarding the incident, Aktaş said, “While I was trying to record the intervention in the demonstrations, a police officer violently pushed me back, I had to fall on my back to the ground to avoid damaging the camera in my hand, and I hit my elbow violently on the ground.” said.
Stating that he stood up with the help of another police officer and his colleagues and continued his duty and did not notice the injuries due to the heat of the incident, Aktaş said that he had a bruise on his elbow and felt pain after the demonstrations.
“I HAVE GOT MY FAVORITE”
Aktaş said, “I could have hit my head on the ground at that moment, then it would have had more severe consequences. “I too had my share of violent police intervention against peaceful demonstrators.” he said.
FAHRETTIN ALTUN: ‘FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IS THE BACKBONE OF DEMOCRACY’
Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun stated the following in his statement regarding the incident:
“Today, AA photojournalist Fatih Aktaş, who was covering demonstrations in support of Palestine in New York, USA, was subjected to harsh intervention by the New York police.
I condemn the physical attack on Mr. Aktaş. I convey my best wishes to him and the Anadolu Agency family.
Freedom of the press is the backbone of democracy.
“We will continue to stand by all truth-loving journalists who fight against injustice and unfairness.”
Today, AA photojournalist Fatih Aktaş, who was covering demonstrations in support of Palestine in New York, USA, was subjected to harsh intervention by the New York police.
I condemn the physical attack on Mr. Aktaş. I wish him and his Anadolu Agency family a speedy recovery…
— Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) June 2, 2024
HARD INTERVENTION WAS MADE TO THE DEMONSTRators
The police intervened harshly against the demonstrators who protested in favor of Palestine in front of the museum in Brooklyn, New York, on May 31.
Demonstrators occupied parts of the Brooklyn Museum to protest Israel’s attacks on Gaza, especially the recent air strike on Rafah, and NYPD riot police detained dozens of Palestinian supporters, while police officers knocked a female demonstrator to the ground. The moments when he punched after throwing were reflected on the cameras.
It was also seen that the face of a male protester whose hands were handcuffed behind his back was covered in blood.
Source: AA